Xcel Energy launches Google Assistant actions

Xcel Energy customers now can pay their bill by saying the words to Google Assistant.

Using a Google Assistant-enabled device, such as Google Nest Hub, Google Home or Home Mini or the Google Assistant app on iPhone or Android device, customers can say, “OK, Google, pay my energy bill,” once the accounts are linked.

Customers can hear account information and make a payment.

The announcement “builds on our collaboration with Google and the ways we’re working to bring enhanced service and next-generation engagement to our customers,” said Brett Carter, executive vice president and chief customer and innovation officer for Xcel Energy.

“This is an exciting time to develop and deploy innovative energy solutions for our customers while leveraging our investments in technology.”

The company and Google Nest began working together in 2015 with the energy savings program Seasonal Savings, which slowly fine-tunes temperatures in a customer’s home heating and cooling schedule to help them save energy and lower bills without sacrificing personal preferences or comfort.